Parking in Curaçao: What Visitors Need to Know
Exploring Curaçao by rental car is one of the easiest ways to discover the island’s beautiful beaches, colorful neighborhoods and local attractions. Parking is generally easy and often free, but different rules apply in the center of Willemstad.
At Hibiscus Beach House, we want our guests to enjoy a relaxed and trouble-free stay. Here is our practical guide to parking safely and conveniently in Curaçao.
Free parking at Hibiscus Beach House
Guests staying at Hibiscus Beach House can park free of charge at the accommodation. Because we are located within walking distance of Jan Thiel Beach, its beach clubs, restaurants and shops, you can leave your car at the guesthouse and explore the Jan Thiel area on foot.
Paid parking in Willemstad
Paid parking applies in most parts of Punda and large sections of Otrobanda in central Willemstad.
The current paid-parking hours are:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sundays and official public holidays: free
- After 6:00 PM: free, unless signs or the rules of a private car park state otherwise
The parking rate is XCG 1.00 per hour. The minimum payment is normally one hour, after which additional parking time can be purchased in 30-minute periods for XCG 0.50.
Please always check the signs or parking meter near your parking space, as rates and conditions may change.
The easiest option: use the Flowbird Parking App
Our recommendation is to download and set up the Flowbird Parking App before visiting the centre of Willemstad.
The app is available for:
After downloading the app:
- Create an account using your telephone number or email address.
- Add the licence plate number of your rental car.
- Select the correct parking location on the map.
- Choose how long you would like to park.
- Confirm your payment and start the parking session.
Make sure the licence plate number is entered correctly, as parking attendants check paid sessions electronically using the registered plate number.
One of the main advantages of Flowbird is that you can extend your parking time remotely. There is no need to return to your car or look for another parking meter. The app can also notify you when your parking time is about to expire.
If you pay through the app, you do not need to place a printed ticket inside the car.
Paying at a parking meter
You can also pay at one of the parking meters in Punda or Otrobanda.
Depending on the machine, payment may be possible with local coins or a prepaid parking card. We recommend not relying on a regular debit or credit card at the parking meter, as card-payment options may differ between machines.
When using a parking meter:
- Enter your vehicle’s licence plate number.
- Select the required parking duration.
- Complete the payment.
- Collect the printed ticket.
- Place the ticket clearly visible on the dashboard.
If you need additional time, you may have to return to a parking meter and purchase a new ticket. This is another reason why we find the Flowbird app more convenient.
Avoid a wheel clamp
Parking attendants regularly check vehicles in the paid-parking zones. If you do not pay, enter the wrong licence plate number or allow your parking session to expire, your rental car may receive a wheel clamp.
Always check that your parking session has successfully started and that the correct vehicle is selected in the app.
Additional parking advice from Hibiscus
- Park only in designated spaces and always follow local signs.
- Do not block entrances, driveways or pedestrian areas.
- Private car parks, shopping centres and beach clubs may have their own fees and opening hours.
- At beaches and tourist attractions, use the designated parking areas whenever possible.
- Never leave passports, telephones, bags, cameras or other valuables visible inside the car.
- Save the licence plate number of your rental car on your phone or take a photograph of it.
- Remember where you parked, especially in the narrow streets of Punda and Otrobanda.
Our recommendation
For the easiest experience, download the Flowbird Parking App before travelling to Willemstad.
Add the licence plate number of your rental car in advance and always check that the correct parking zone and parking duration have been selected.
If you have any questions about parking, driving routes or visiting Willemstad, please feel free to ask us.
Diana and Martin will be happy to help you with local advice during your stay.
We wish you a safe and wonderful time exploring Curaçao!
Diana & Martin
Hibiscus Beach House Curaçao